Sid Sidebottom MP Media Release
… for a fair go in Braddon January 7, 2009
Grants a matter of life and death A volunteer grant announced today for one NorthWest group could literally be the difference between life and death, says the Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom MP. Central North Wildlife Care and Rescue will receive $5000 under the Australian Government Volunteer Grants program, including $2160 to help cover petrol costs. Mr Sidebottom said the group was one of 18 to share in $53,899 in funds, which for the first time would help to cover fuel costs for volunteer groups. “Our community could not function without the vital work of volunteers and the Rudd Government is happy to do whatever we can to help,” Mr Sidebottom said. “Volunteers are important in so many ways, whether it is helping the elderly, sick or injured, or making sure community organisations and events continue to run well. “I know Alastair Ross and his group are a fantastic example of the volunteer ethic, and have been interested in the new program since it was announced.” Alastair Ross from the rescue group said the funds would be vital to its response to injured wildlife across the region. “It could really be the difference between life and death for some endangered and threatened wildlife,” Mr Ross said. “If we don’t have to worry about fuel costs we can now respond a lot more quickly with a volunteer and the outcomes will be better. “A lot of people donate their time, but if you have to travel halfway to Cradle Mountain then the cost can become quite huge.”
Other groups in Braddon to benefit include volunteer fire brigades and cricket clubs through to the Tasmanian Family History Society. Statewide the Scout Association will receive $98,250 to reimburse fuel costs to its 428 volunteers, while Surf Life Saving Tasmania will receive $30,000 to help its 2510 volunteers. Grants in Braddon will go to – Sassafras Volunteer Fire Brigade $3253; Australasian Assembly of Volunteer Fire Brigade Associations $2815; King Island Imperial 20 $4872; Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club $1277; Burnie Little Athletics Centre $5000; Latrobe Cricket Club $4376; Tasmanian Family History Society Burnie branch $1550; Penguin Tennis Club $1406; Devonport Touch Association $1425; Circular Head Netball Association $2799; Wynyard Yacht Club $2090; Central North Wildlife Care and Rescue $5000; Wynyard and Somerset Tennis Club $1050; Latrobe Primary School Association $5000; Ulverstone Community House $3240; Port Sorell Golf Club $1750; Lions Club of Wynyard $4389; Penguin High School $2336.
For more information: Luke Sayer
6431 1333/0458 311 355